Jenny’s future is deep in the past...

A YOUNG archaeology student is far from her last crusade after being recognised for her voluntary work.

Jenny Reddish has collected an inaugural award for her dedication to a parcel of land, which has been occupied by humans for more than 10,000 years.

Currently studying archaeology and anthropology at the University of Oxford, Jenny (20) became the inaugural winner of the Eric Morten Award.

Mr Morten, from Manchester, was an antiquarian bookseller, philanthropist and champion of the young — with his spirit living on in his award by the Blackden Trust, which owns the archaeology site, near Jodrell Bank in Cheshire.

Jenny, of Grasscroft, visited the Blackden Trust on 10 voluntary occasions during her time at sixth-form college.

She still regularly attends sessions working with fellow students, during university holidays.

She said: “I keep coming back to Blackden because it allows me to immerse myself in experiences I couldn’t get anywhere else.

“The atmosphere is one not of passive intake of information, but of collective discovery — ideas spark others, and the overall sense is that you are contributing in some small way to the body of human understanding.

“The place is unique too, having been occupied since not long after the last Ice Age.”

The award is for the student who has gained most from the Trust’s activities, and has contributed significantly to its future.

The Chronicle featured the student in 2009 after her A-Level results which saw her achieving A grades in six subjects including Japanese.

A spokesman from The Blackden Trust, which promotes heritage through its study and care of its 16th century Old Medicine House on the Cheshire site, said: “Jenny’s commitment to passing on her enjoyment and the excitement of discovery alongside academic experts, which is an integral part of the activities at Blackden, reflects Eric Morten’s delight in helping young people.”